A glimpse of a couple of the rescued Eastern Box Turtles in the sanctuary outside the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Amphibian Foundation, and Audubon Society offices and labs. These turtles are not suitable for release into the wild, so live here where they can be looked after by our animal care staff. They are here under Georgia DNR permit #1000111951.

Though our work is primarily with amphibians, we do work with several area nonprofits on some of the issues that reptiles struggle with in an urban environment. One of the most charismatic species being the Eastern Box Turtle. The fact that Box Turtles are adorable is part of their curse in that people often take them from the wild (which, in Georgia, is illegal without a permit!) and keep them for a while, and then release them. Sounds harmless enough, right? Well, what most people are unaware of is that Box Turtles are extremely long-lived (as long as 125 years!). They also have very small home ranges (as small as one acre). These turtles live their long lives in a very small area, and are often significantly disoriented when relocated. Recent research indicates that some adult reptiles are unable to re-orient themselves when relocated, and as high as 74% perish due to the inability to adapt to a new environment and find food and shelter.

If you are like us, and get very concerned when you see an Eastern Box Turtle attempting to cross the road, keep in mind that that road is cutting through its small home range. If you are compelled to move it, then simply do your best to assess the direction it is heading in, and move it to that side of the road. The turtle will have gotten lucky that time.

In partnership with the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Chattahoochee Nature Center, A.W.A.R.E, and the Orianne Society, we have developed a Turtle Sanctuary for non-releasable turtles that have been rehabilitated by the passionate experts at our partner institutions. Our sanctuary, located right in front of the main building at BHNP houses these lovely, rehabilitated but non-releasable turtles year-round. These turtles will be available for symbolic adoption to help cover the expense of maintaining the turtles and sanctuary.

Those who support this program through symbolic adoption will have the right to name their turtle for the year.

EBT AF180404

'Tank'


EBT #AF180404
Re-adopted By: Robert Cini
Adopted Until: May 28, 2024

This poor guy was hit by a car. He is missing his left foot, and his carapace is severely and permanently damaged. He still carries on like a boss. This turtle was rehabilitated by CNC.

Fun Fact: This turtle is not even the least bit self-conscious about his dramatic shell cracks.

Previous adopters: Andria Holtzman
EBT AF180503

'Cutie'


EBT #AF180503
Adopted By: Marion Diller
Adopted Until: October 6, 2023

This turtle was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: She can do long division!
EBT AF180403

'Makona'


EBT #AF180403
Adopted By: Thu Le
Adopted Until: July 19, 2024

This bold male is missing his left hand and forearm. Nevertheless, he still gets around very well. He was rehabilitated by CNC.

Fun Fact: Even with three legs, this turtle once outraced a dog.

Previous adopters: Allie Donahue, Abram Bravo
EBT AF180501

'Zippy'


EBT #AF180501
Adopted By: David Goodwin
Adoptive Name: 'Zippy'
Adopted Until: July 11, 2024

This lovely lady was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: She is long-term pen pals with John Leguizamo.

Previous adopters: Cassie Herschel, Abram Bravo
EBT AF180413

'Peggy'


EBT #AF180413
Adopted By: Anthony Mandica
Adopted Until: Permanent

This lovely lady was a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people.

Fun Fact: She once defended her previous owners from a would-be burglar.
EBT AF180414

'Rain Beau'


EBT #AF180414
Adopted By: Morgan Hill
Adopted Until: May 24, 2024

This lovely lady was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people.

Fun Fact: When she thinks no one is listening, she can sing a few lines from Hamilton.
EBT AF180505

'Stella'


EBT #AF180505
Adopted By: Rebecca Arroyo
Adoptive Name: 'Stella'
Adopted Until: July 11, 2024

Re-adopted By: Lynn Thompson
Adoptive Name: 'Slowpoke'
Adopted Until: July 11, 2025

This turtle was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: She once stole a car.

Previous adopters: Nancy Hickey, Allison Bennett
EBT AF180402

'Michael Shellsmith'


EBT #AF180402
Adopted By: Lisa Rupple
Adopted Until: June 13, 2024

Extremely shy. After 30 minutes, this was the furthest she would come out of her shell. She is missing her left arm and has been rehabilitated by CNC.

Fun Fact: This turtle starred in the movie Shaft (told you they live a long time).

Previous adopters: Mary Staubin, Abram Bravo
EBT AF180412

'Uncle Turtle'


EBT #AF180412
Adoptive Name: 'Uncle Turtle'
Adopted Until: March 26, 2024

This tough guy has a permanently cracked plastron that has healed, as much as possible, due to the care of the CNC. He is clearly on the shy side, but at least you can see the beautiful colors on his neck and arms.

Fun Fact: This turtle once saved a family from a burning building.
EBT AF180504

'Jason'


EBT #AF180504
Re-adopted By: Renee Walker
Adopted Until: Oct 19, 2023

This fella was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: This turtle bakes the best Chocolate Chip cookies in Georgia!
EBT AF180506

'Makona'


EBT #AF180506
Adopted By: Tracy Le
Adopted Until: July 19, 2024

This turtle was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: He once won a hot pepper eating contest with 15 habañeros!

Previous adopters: Cassie Herschel, Abram Bravo
EBT AF180502

'Kevin'


EBT #AF180502
Adopted By: Dave Skillen
Adopted Until: Sept 14, 2023

Re-adopted By: Patrick Ramker
Adoptive Name: 'Calvin'
Adopted Until: Sept 14, 2024

This turtle was also a long-term captive that suffered from severe malnutrition resulting in shell deformity. Unfortunately, this is common even with the most well-minded people. This turtle was rescued by our friends and partners at the Orianne Society.

Fun Fact: You know how they say 'Dog is man's best friend? Well, this turtle was Abraham Lincoln's best friend.


To Symbolically Adopt a Turtle ($30/year), simply fill out the form below. You will need to know the accession number of the turtle (the number listed with each turtle) and the new name if you wish to provide an adoptive name. If you are adopting a turtle for someone else, please include their name in the comments box provided during checkout.

Adoption Period
Turtle Accession Number
Symbolic Adoption Name

To adopt a wild turtle on the Blue Heron Nature Preserve (where AF is located) and support diversity in the sciences, please visit: after.amphibianfoundation.org